SURFING Magazine, ASP Billabong Pro Tahiti

HELLME N IN HEAV EN

The 2014 Billabong Pro Tahiti

Peak-a-boo So, which way to the chair lift?

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TO GO OR NOT TO GO — because to tow is not an option.

CJ Hobgood on the world’s worst water slide while Nat Young looks on.

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Ace Buchan’s textbook Hawaiian kickout.

Nothing like you used to draw on your notebook...

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Unless your name is Vinny van Gogh. Owen Wright.

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2014 BILLABONG PRO TAHITI

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CONTEST OVERVIEW

EARLY ROUNDS

LAY DAYS

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FREE SURFS AND NIGH T TRIPS

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LATE ROUNDS

FINAL

WCT RANKINGS

R N DS 4- S E M I S

KELLY S LATER & GABRIEL M EDINA

AFTER TH E END OF TH E 2014 BILLABONG PRO TAH ITI

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S U B S C R I B E #10 ISSUE

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V I C E FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING ·

GOPRO

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PREMATURE SWELL HYPING ·

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GETTING SOME SUN · GOING

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DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF ·

Clay Marzo redefines freesurfing in Western Australia

Damien Hobgood & Ramon Navarro take on giant waves (and buildings) G O in I Chile N G

SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL ·

HYPING SUN

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GETTING

GOING

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SOME

DEEPER

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FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES Clay Marzo redefines freesurfing · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING in Western Australia · GOPRO · STEP-OFFS ·

Damien Hobgo on giant waves

PREMATURE SWELL HYPING · GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF ·

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SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL

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HYPING SUN

FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES GOPRO

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PREMATURE SWELL HYPING · GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL HYPING SUN

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GETTING

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FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES

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YEARS OF

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GOPRO

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STEP-OFFS

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PREMATURE SWELL HYPING · GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL

OCT 10

# 10 2014

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GETTING

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HYPING SUN

GOING

SOME

DEEPER

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FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING ·

GOPRO

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STEP-OFFS

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PREMATURE SWELL HYPING · GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF ·

G U I LT Y PLEASURES

SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL ·

HYPING SUN

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GETTING

GOING

SOME

DEEPER

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FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING ·

GOPRO

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STEP-OFFS

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PREMATURE SWELL HYPING · GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING · GOPRO · STEPOFFS · PREMATURE SWELL ·

HYPING SUN

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GETTING

GOING

ISSUE

SOME

DEEPER

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FLY-AWAYS · SURF SELFIES · SHOWING OFF · SNAKING ·

GOPRO

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T H E S U R F I N G D O N ' T S W E A L L D O

SELFIES · SHOWING OFF ·

WE'LL FIGU R E IT OUT

WE 'L L FI G U R E IT O UT

G U I LT Y PLEASURES

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P i c k i n g yo u r n o s e . C ha

t wo g u i lt y p le a s u r e s i

PREMATURE SWELL HYPING ·

A u s t ra l i a . P H OTO : B R

GETTING SOME SUN · GOING DEEPER · FLY-AWAYS · SURF

P i ck i n g yo u r n o s e . C ha s i n g t a i l . C l ay Ma r zo p a c k a g e s

SELFIES · SHOWING OFF ·

two g u i lty p le a s u r e s i nt o o n e s ha m e le s s t u r n . We s t e r n

SNAKING · GOPRO · STEP-

A u s tra l i a . P H OTO : B R E N T B I E L M A N N

OFFS · PREMATURE SWELL HYPING SUN

PRINT

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DIGITA L

SURFINGMAGAZINE.COM 11

EDITORIAL Editor | ZANDER MORTON Creative Director | CHATO AGANZA Photo Editor | PETER TARAS Managing Editor | LEO MAXAM Assistant Everything | JIMMY WILSON Art Director | NOA EMBERSON Online Editor | BRENDAN BUCKLEY Editor-at-Large | TAYLOR PAUL Editor-at-Large | BEAU FLEMISTER

PHOTOS Brent Bielmann

WORDS BY Brendan Buckley

COVER PHOTO: TEAHUPO’O

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THE BATTLE CONTINUES s u r f i n g m a g a z i n e . c om | #tigervsbear

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#9 #11

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#7 YOU A R E HERE B I L LA B ON G P R O TA H I T I 14

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BEFORE WE BEGIN...

IT’ S A LOVE/ HAT E T HIN G Love, mostly. Teahupoo — along with Fiji and Pipeline — comprise the WCT’s big three. All lefts. All capable of scaring the shit out of even the best surfers in the world when the swell gets over eight feet. And this year, it certainly did...

WAIT. THES E G UYS G ET S CA RED? Hell yes. WCT surfers have even pulled no shows in Tahiti thanks to a variety of mysterious ailments in years past.

But fortunately for the fans, the times have a changed.

This year, everyone (minus an injured Filipe Toledo, who pulled out long before the forecast showed solid swell) showed up and threw themselves over the ledge (and sometimes into the reef ) for our viewing pleasure.

W E RE YOU N OT E N T E RTAINED? Yes, yes you were. 2.2 million different people tuned into this year’s event, meaning it drew the largest audience in professional surfing history. Why? Read on.

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2014 BILLABONG PRO TAHITI H E LL M EN IN HEAV E N What does that even mean?

Somebody’s curious. Well, Tahiti is a truly unique stop on

completely made up. But, fact is 10 out of the 11 heats on the final day featured waves over a 9 and surfers actually lost with 19-point heat totals.

tour. It’s unique because it’s bipolar. On one hand, it’s one of the most beautiful specks on the whole globe. That’s

W H O W E RE T H E BI G G EST LO S E RS?

the heaven part. On the other, the actual venue is a chubby

Travis Logie, who got hurt. CJ Hobgood, who was on the

beast of a wave that could literally kill the matadors. That’s

wrong end of some questionable judging. Mick Fanning,

the hellmen part. And this year, nearly every heat had

who damaged his world title campaign by losing to Dion

at least one perfect ride and one fucked up attempt. We

Atkinson early on. Johnny Football, whose “show-me-the-

couldn’t look away, and apparently nobody did.

money” claim is now Kolohe Andino’s. And Charles, Gabriel Medina’s stepdad, who wore the same, matching char-

UN DERSTOO D . S O WAS IT EVEN GOOD TH I S YEA R? If you have to ask, you shouldn’t know. The 2014 Billabong Pro Tahiti featured some of the best surf we’ve seen for a

coal and creamsicle orange springsuit as his stepson. (To clarify, Charles is not a loser — far from it — but he could, at least, wear a different wetsuit next time.)

contest since Desert Point was on tour — and some of the largest we’ve seen since Nelscott Reef was on tour. Wait,

W H O W E RE T H E BI G G EST W I N N E RS?

Nelscott and Deserts were never on tour? Shit. Then it was

Brett Simpson, who made his first heat of the year and rode

just really big and really good. Hope you packed your su-

that win all the way to Round 5. John John Florence, who

perlatives; you’ll need them.

constantly reminded the world why they are so enamored with him. Bede Durbidge, who fucked everyone’s fantasy

W H Y WERE T HEY G IV IN G SO MA NY 9S? Ask Richie Porta. The final day of the contest was the highest scoring day in ASP history — which is a stat that we

team up and made the semis. Kelly Slater, who declared title war, and Gabriel Medina who, you know, actually won the event.

WHAT ABOUT THE WORLD TITLE? For the first time in 2014, the world title race finally has a

will be Kelly VS Gabe. And who could ask for anything bet-

true face. Two faces, actually. Gabriel Medina’s got a choke-

ter? A 20-year-old on his way up against a 42-year-old on

hold on the ratings and Kelly Slater is slowly trying to

his way out (said it). Will Gabe win his first for Brazil or will

loosen that grip. Sure, there are other people who still have

Kelly win number 12? Buckle up! Trestles starts Tuesday,

a mathematical shot at the Title — namely Joel Parkinson,

another event both guys are more than capable of winning.

Mick Fanning, Michel Bourez, etc. — but the story is and

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EARLY THE PERFECT PRELUDE

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ROUNDS

1 -3

Nathan Hedge nailed the event’s first perfect ride, and this ain’t even it.

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Turns out Tahiti is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Who woulda guessed?

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Kolohe Andino, in the belly.

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Courtside seats

Owen Wright dunks.

Rosy Hodge reports.

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Free spirit

Some things just aren’t meant to be tamed. CJ Hobgood.

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Hey...

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...you guys seen Gabriel Medina?

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9.97

We’re not exactly sure where those last .03 points were supposed to come from. Ace Buchan.

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If the contest wasn’t on, there’s a good chance John John Florence would have went to Tahiti for this swell anyway...

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and sometimes, he forgot he was in a heat.

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Nat Young, erect.

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Oh, come on, Kai Otton. It wasn’t that bad.

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Under the lip,

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we’ll be having some fun.

Nathan Hedge, perfect melody.

Singing the tune of 10 points.

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International law states that every adult male is allotted three tribal moans per year.

Nathan Hedge burns one.

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Owen Wright.

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So many ways to do it,

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Only one way out.

Taumata Puhetini .

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Caution.

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It’s not entirely rare for a boat to get caught inside at Teahupo’o.

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Hey, Gabriel Medina, what are you currently rated?

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Just a reminder 49

It is a crime to stare at this photo for any less than 30 seconds.

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Mick Fanning caught this wave 30 seconds after the horn and lost to Dion Atkinson. Oh, the irony.

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LAY DAYS & *BE CAU S E WAVES D O N ’ T C O ST A DIME 52

F R EE SU RFS

*

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Sebastian Zietz swipes right.

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Is there any feeling greater than getting spit out of a wave?

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No. John John Florence.

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Sweet dreams or wet ones?

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As easy as...

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3

Adriano De Souza.

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The one that got away

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(because it would have killed someone).

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Anthony Walsh .

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With arms wide open.

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Anthony Walsh, best hugs in town.

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At the end of every rainbow lies a channel of gold.

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Joel Parkinson lost to Brett Simpson in Round 3 and sustained a huge dent to his world title hopes.

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Consolation prize: apparently he’s pretty good at rugby.

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Nat Young, the womb.

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Still pretty in black and white.

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Goodnight, stars.

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Goodnight, Mitch.

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Simple enough, right? Ryan Hipwood.

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4- SE M I S

LATE ROUNDS STI LL P E R F E CT. ST I L L T E R R IFYING.

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John John Florence goes.

Mad goes the channel.

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Twisted sister

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Teahupo’o is one of three events on tour where competitors have a legitimate chance at being terrified in their heats. Her sisters are Fiji and Pipe. Michel Bourez.

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Tahiti’s finest.

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Michel Bourez.

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#lookbackatit. Gabriel Medina.

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You didn’t expect Bede Durbridge to put up a 19.87 heat total in the quarterfinals, did you?

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Marching...

In like a lamb. Out like a lion. Kelly Slater.

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John John Florence,

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horsepower.

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A literal cliffhanger.

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Owen Wright.

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If this wave were a person, it would be fat and alone in Nebraska.

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Know when to

YIELD

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Shit, if Kelly’s not going...

Caption xxxx xxxx xxx.

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I woke up like this once.

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Owen Wright won the Andy Irons Most Committed Surfer award.

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Kelly Slater doesn’t need any more awards.

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An unfamiliar face of Teahupo’o and an unfamiliar face to the quarters, Dion Atkinson.

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If you love something, let it go...

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If it comes back, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never was. (The rail was never John John Florence’s.)

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Watch and.. well, you already learned. Kelly Slater and John John Florence.

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Nice Knot

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John John Florence and Kelly Slater surfed one of the best heats since G. Dubbs was in office, and tied with 19.77 points each. Kelly got the nod because he’s older (and because he had a higher single score: a 10). PHOTO: PAT STACY

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FIN VS

KELLY SLATER

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NAL GABRIEL MEDINA

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Better late than never.

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Kelly Slater found his feet about halfway through the final. Then he took those feet, placed them on his surfboard, and got very deep in this barrel.

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It was a 9.53 kind of day.

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Textbook form. Perfect execution. Style to spare. Plus, Gabriel Medina got, like, the most perfect barrel ever before this.

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Teahupo’o might be the end of the road, but it’s also the start of a title race. Can Kelly Slater fight off one more rival before retiring back to Cocoa Beach? PHOTO: PAT STACY

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Gabriel Medina proved he can withstand the pressure of a final against Kelly Slater. Now, can he withstand the weight of a country on his shoulders?

PHOTOS: PAT STACY

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WCT R A NKI N GS A F T E R T H E E N D O F T H E 2 0 1 4 B I L L A B O N G P R O TA H I T I

M EN ’ S 01. G ab rie l M e d i n a 02 . Ke lly S l ate r 03. J o e l P a r k i n s on 04 . M ic h e l B ou rez 05 . M ic k Fa n n i n g 06 . Taj Bu r row 07. Adrian o D e S ou za 08 . Ko lo h e An d i n o 09 . N at You n g 10 . Owe n Wr i g h t 11. Jos h Ke r r 12 . J o h n J oh n 13. Bed e D u r b i d g e 14 . Jo rd y S m i t h 15 . J ulian Wi l s on 16 . C j H o b g ood 17. Fre ddy Pata c ch i a J r.

18 . S e bast i a n Z i etz

1 8. Adrian B uchan 2 0. Miguel Pupo 2 1 . Filipe Toledo 2 2 . Kai O tton 2 2 . Matt Wilk inson 24 . Adam Melling 24 . Mitch C rews 24 . Tiago Pires 2 7. A lejo Muniz 2 7. D ion Atk inson 2 9. J adson A ndre 2 9. A ritz A ranburu 31 . Travis Logie 32 . B rett S impson 33. J eremy Flores 34 . G lenn H all 35. R aoni Monteiro 36. Mitch C oleborn

BIGGEST JUMPS A dr ia n Bu ch a n : Ke lly S l ater : Kai O tto n : Tiag o P i re s : Dion Atk i n s o n :

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BIGGEST SLUMPS places places places places places

Al ejo Muniz: Travis Logie: M iguel Pupo: Adam Melling:

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p la c es p la c es p la c es p la c es

U P N EXT

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NEXT STO P H U R LEY LOW E R S P R O

#7 YOU A R E HERE B I L LA B ON G P R O TA H I T I 133

thanks for

SURVIV